Top 5 Photo Tips for Mother's Day- #KellyMooreBags Love the Saratoga

Did you know that May is National Photography Month?

Kelly Moore Bags not only sent me these 5 great tips to share with you, but I received an amazing bag- the Saratoga in Cobalt!

Photography’s Flattering Fivesome

1. Let there be Light – Finding the right light will make or break a good shot. Even if it’s just candid, and you’re capturing real life, why not take it from an OK shot to a fantastic shot by being aware of your lighting.

Turn off your flash! Never use the unflattering, too bright camera flash. Even if you’re just using your phone, turn off the flash!
Find window light. One sure way to make a photo more interesting, is to have one directional light. Sometimes I turn off all interior lights, and light the subject only with the window light. Look how great this shot this is with only window light!

Get creative! Use a lamp, use the flashlight on your phone, use the sun, it’s not important what you light it with, it’s HOW you light it. Again, I prefer to have one light source, I feel like this helps give drama to any image.
When all else fails, just get the moment! Sometimes it doesn’t matter if it’s lit well, just to have the photo is worth it.
Quick tip: when you’re about to take a photo ask yourself if there’s a light you can turn off or on that will make the photo more interesting

2. Everyone’s Got an Angle – Everyone has a side of their face that is more photogenic. For the majority of people, research has shown that it’s the left side of your face that looks the most open and friendly. To find out for yourself, put a piece of paper over each side of your face. One side will be more naturally upturned around your mouth and eyes. When posing mom, put that side of her face closest to the camera.

Moms of almost any age want to avoid the appearance of a double chin or saggy neck – ala this scene from the recently released “My Big, Fat Greek Wedding 2” where Aunt Voula says, “Okay pull my neck,” and the two grab at the back of each other’s necks to give themselves a more “youthful” look!

Kelly offers some other tips:

Double chin? If you feel like you always manage to make yourself look like you have a double chin, try this: make your neck feel as long as possible by imagining a cord pulling you up from the top of your head, push your face forward, and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. This sounds awkward but it totally makes a difference!

The Saratoga is my new favorite “everything” bag! I can use it for my camera- my hubby says it’s the best looking camera bag I have! I can take out the dividers and use it as a purse or carry-on. I can take out some of the dividers and use it for my Chromebook or iPad. It’s so versatile! I’m not sure how I lived without it!

Cobalt is a great color for this bag. It is bright and fun! Who wants a boring black handbag all the time?

The bag is nylon so it wipes clean easily. You know if you’re a mom, it’s bound to get dirty!

3. “Fashion” a great outfit. Make sure mom loves what she’s wearing so she’s as comfortable and confident as she can be. But there are some great picture pointers to help the lens capture her best look.

Nothing too fussy or frilly or busy, simple colors, less patterns are the rule of the day
Avoid white or anything too pale that will wash her out
Keep it classic! When all else fails, have her throw on a great pair of jeans and a white button up!
Don’t forget a Stylish Kelly Moore Bag! They come ready for all your photography equipment, baby bottles, wallets, electronics and more!

4. Be an “Environmental Protection” Specialist. So often the key to great shots is finding the right environment in which to shoot.

Shoot somewhere interesting. How many pictures does your family have around the kitchen table? In front of the mantle? Banish these tired old shots by shaking it up.
Go outside! Try finding a spot outside (in the shade) to capture your family.
Take a drive. Throw the family in the car and take a drive out to the country. Sometimes some of the old rundown places look the best!

5. Incorporate Others. The odds are your mom does NOT want to be photographed alone, all that attention! Surround mom with kids, grandkids, food, flowers, pets, whatever she loves and that will add character, authenticity and verve to a shot.

Here is my favorite tip- Get a great camera bag like this Saratoga bag in Cobalt!

About Kelly Moore Bags:

Being a professional photographer for over a decade, I found myself constantly disappointed in the choice of camera bags out on the market. After years of dreaming and sketching, I launched the Kelly Moore Line of Camera bags in the Winter of 2009.
Here at Kelly Moore Bag, we work hard to bring you innovative designs that are as functional as they are stylish. With 11 styles to choose from, in over 50 colors, we know we have a bag that you will love.
Whether you are a pro photographer, a hobbyist, a student, a mom, or just someone who appreciates a great bag, we have a bag that will make your life a little more organized!

Don’t forget, you can get FREE Shipping on all US orders! *this does not include the flash sales.